Set up an eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows your phone to connect to your mobile network operator without having to use a physical SIM. The Fairphone 5 and Fairphone 4 each have one eSIM slot.

With an active SIM, you can make calls, send and receive SMS, and use mobile data.

Learn how to:

 


Get an eSIM

Select your phone below to see network operators that support eSIM.

Country Networks that support eSIM
Austria Magenta
Belgium Orange
Denmark 3
Finland Elisa
France Orange, Bouygues, SFR
Germany T-Mobile, Telefonica (O2), Vodafone
Netherlands KPN, Odido, Vodafone
Sweden Tele2, Telenor
UK Sky, Your Co-Op
Country Networks that support eSIM
Austria A1, T-Mobile
Belgium Proximus, Orange
Denmark Hi3G
Finland Elisa
France Orange, Bouygues, SFR
Germany T-Mobile, Telefonica (O2), Vodafone
Netherlands KPN, Odido, Vodafone
Sweden Tele2, Telenor
Switzerland Sunrise, Swisscom
UK EE, Virgin, Sky, Your Co-Op, Vodafone

If your network operator is listed, contact them to see if you can convert your physical SIM to an eSIM.

For countries where no network is listed - this doesn't mean that no network will work. It just means we have not performed testing in that country to verify compatibility.

To request an eSIM with your provider, you may need the EID number. You can find it printed on the box your Fairphone came in. You can also find it by following these steps:

  • Go to SettingsAbout phoneSIM status (SIM slot 2) → EID.

 


Download and set up an eSIM

When you start your Fairphone for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to guide you through the process.

To activate your eSIM after you set up your Fairphone, contact your network operator to get a QR code. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings Network and Internet.
  2. Tap Mobile network.
    • If you already have a SIM installed, tap on the + next to your SIMs.
  3. Tap Download a SIM instead.
  4. Tap Next.
  5. Scan the QR code (provided by your network operator).
  6. Tap Activate.
  7. Enter the Operator confirmation code of your eSIM (provided by your network operator).
  8. If required, enter your SIM PIN (your network operator should provide this) and your Screen lock (the PIN, pattern or password you use to unlock your phone).
  9. Tap Done.

 


Delete an eSIM

You may need to delete your eSIM if you want to switch network operators or sell your phone.

To delete an eSIM, follow these steps:

  1. Go to SettingsNetwork and Internet.
  2. Tap on the SIM you want to delete.
  3. Tap Delete SIM.

 


Use Dual SIM

All of our phones support Dual SIM functionality. With Dual SIM, you can use two SIM cards at the same time. Allowing you to:

  • Have two phone numbers and two different plans on one device.
  • Use one number for business and another number for personal calls.
  • Get a local SIM plan while travelling abroad.

To manage your Dual SIM preferences, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Tap on one of your networks.
  2. Set your preference for each network:
    • Data preference. Only one SIM can be the default for data.
    • Calls preference. Pick a default SIM or tap Ask every time.
    • SMS preference. Pick a default SIM or tap Ask every time.

Fairphone uses Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology. You can read more about that here.

 


Issues with the eSIM

If you experience issues with your eSIM card, there are many things you can do to fix the issues yourself. You can find our guide troubleshooting your SIM card(s) here.

 


If you need more help after reading this article, contact our Customer Support.